when the final curtain went down. Fathers and mothers, who had come to
bring their children, talked with one another, though they were strangers,
and it was because of this that Mrs. Bobbsey, when Freddie and Laddie
started to talk together again about the turtle ride, nodded and smiled at
the elderly lady with whom Laddie had come to the theatre.

"My little boy seems to have taken quite a fancy to yours," said the
twins' mother.

"Oh, he isn't my boy, though I love him as though he were," said this
lady. "Laddie is my sister-in-law's boy, but she is in California. My
husband and I are taking care of Laddie."

"And Freddie is coming to play store and steam cars and automobile and
steam engine, with me, and--and----"

Laddie paused, trying to think of something else.

"Fireman," said Freddie. "We're going to play fireman."

"Oh, yes," agreed Laddie. "I forgot about that. We're going to play
fireman."

"And I'm going to play with 'em," added Flossie.

"Yes, she can come," said Laddie to his aunt. "I guess I'll like her,
though I don't know much about playin' with girls," he added.

"Well, you seem to have it all settled," laughed his aunt. The Bobbseys
and their new friends were standing in the theatre aisle, waiting for the